Deceived (1991)

Director:

Damian Harris

Writers:

Mary Agnes Donoghue (story)
Mary Agnes Donoghue (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

27 September 1991 (USA)

Genre:

Thriller

Plot:

A marriage that seemed perfect comes crashing down after the supposed death of Jack Saunders, husband of Adrienne Saunders...

Plot Keywords:

Suffocation | Exploding Car | Back From The Dead | Faked Death | Housekeeper

Cast

Goldie Hawn	...	Adrienne Saunders
Damon Redfern	...	Maitre D'
John Heard	...	Jack Saunders
Charles Kassatly	...	Waiter
Robin Bartlett	...	Charlotte
Ashley Peldon	...	Mary Saunders
Beatrice Straight	...	Adrienne's Mother
George R. Robertson	...	Adrienne's Father
Maia Filar	...	Carol Gingold
Tom Irwin	...	Harvey
Jan Rubes	...	Tomasz
Anais Granofsky	...	Ellen
Heidi von Palleske	...	Mrs. Peabody
Stanley Anderson	...	Det. Kinsella
Peter Stevens	...	Ron

Runtime:

104 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Norway:15 | Argentina:13 | Chile:14 | Finland:K-16 | Spain:13 | Sweden:15 | USA:PG-13 | Australia:M | UK:15

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Silver Screen Partners IV

Trivia:

This film was originally titled "The Mrs." and early promotional material (including an early version of the final poster) contained this title. It became "Deceived" because the producers wanted to further separate Goldie Hawn's association with bubbly comedy and they felt "The Mrs." didn't make the theme clear enough.

Goofs:

Continuity: After Adrienne puts down Jack's/Daniel's wedding portrait, she covers it when she opens the photo album. When she pushes all the pictures off the table, the portrait isn't covered.

Quotes:

[last lines]
Jack Saunders: Now, give me the necklace, Adrienne.
Adrienne Saunders: Here... take it.

Soundtrack:

Kuini Ripeka

Goldie tries a thriller

Dark, somber thriller about an art restorer Adrienne (Goldie Hawn) meeting Jack Saunders (John Heard) and falling in love. They marry, have a kid and are happy--until 6 years (or so) into the marriage he's suddenly killed. Slowly Adrienne discovers her husband wasn't who she thought he was...

Sort of a film noir. Hawn decided to take a chance on a dramatic role. Unfortunately this film fizzled at the box office and Hawn herself later said she made a mistake. I actually like the film. I liked it in 1991 and I still like it now 15 years later. It's got an intricate plot and some very nice directorial touches (some of the scenes were beautiful). Love their apartment too. There was also a very unusual but effective music score and a few nice jolts in the movie too.

The acting varies. Heard is VERY good is his role. Unfortunately Hawn isn't in hers. She's somber, quiet and too restrained. She seems very uncomfortable in the role. She doesn't ruin the movie but she lessens the impact--maybe it's a good thing that she never tried this again. Also I noticed quite a few plot loopholes left dangling after the movie was over. Still I found this engrossing and well-made. Worth catching. I give it an 8.